Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance the management and oversight of grants in Minnesota by requiring state employees involved in grants to undergo training and certification. It also mandates specific actions and monitoring requirements for agencies to follow when grantees fail to comply with grant agreements.

Main Provisions

• Training and Certification: State employees responsible for any part of the grant process must be trained and certified in grants management. This includes understanding policies, procedures, and responsibilities related to grants.

• Duties of the Commissioner:

  • Establish general policies and procedures for grants management applicable to all executive agencies.
  • Certify employees in grants management and provide ongoing training and evaluation.
  • Serve as the central contact for issues relating to grants management, including fraud or policy violations.
  • Maintain a list of grantees with a history of financial misconduct.

• Oversight of Granting Agencies:

  • Agencies must diligently monitor and administer grants, especially those exceeding $50,000, which require in-person, unannounced visits.
  • Document and address compliance failures by grantees. Serious or intentional failures must be reported to the commissioner.
  • In cases of suspected fraud, agencies must collaborate with law enforcement and may suspend payments or eligibility for grants.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Certification Requirement: Introduces mandatory certification for state employees involved in grant management, with continuing education to be completed every three years.
• Enhanced Monitoring: Agencies must perform unannounced, in-person inspections for large grants, and report non-compliance in a formalized manner.
• Fraud Response: Establishes protocols for reporting and handling suspected fraud, including potential suspension or debarment from future grant eligibility.

Relevant Terms

• Grants management
• Employee certification
• Compliance monitoring
• Fraud detection and prevention
• Unannounced inspections
• Continuing education
• Suspension and debarment